($1,473) Moving From South Dakota to Pennsylvania

Quick answer: The average cost to move from South Dakota to Pennsylvania ranges from $889 to $7,479 and takes three-eight days. The top cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

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  • Certified crews
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  • Family-owned

Hiring a full-service South Dakota moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

You may also want to consider the potential added cost of getting your vehicle or boat to your new home as part of your move. Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from South Dakota to Pennsylvania separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Pennsylvania to South Dakota guide.

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The best South Dakota to Pennsylvania movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from South Dakota to Pennsylvania is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving South Dakota to Pennsylvania:

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
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(980) 217-6841
Best for Quick Quotes
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
(844) 794-6004
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  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Binding estimates
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(844) 794-6004
Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
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(866) 835-2392
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  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
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(866) 835-2392

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

Looking for local South Dakota movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Thomas & Sons Moving Company Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.62 overall rating
3333 Sturgis Rd, Rapid City, SD, 57702
(605) 787-3871
Two Men and a Truck Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.52 overall rating
222 N Marion Rd Suite B, Sioux Falls, SD, 57107
(605) 550-4799

Visit our Best Movers in South Dakota page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

How much does it cost to move from South Dakota to Pennsylvania?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from South Dakota to Pennsylvania for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,473 - $5,816 $944 - $2,482 $874 - $1,639
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,347 - $7,479 $1,705 - $3,511 $889 - $2,046
4+ bedrooms $5,875 - $10,337 $2,290 - $4,670 $1,189 - $2,474

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,350 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from SD to PA

There are many factors that influence South Dakota moving costs. The cost to move from South Dakota to Pennsylvania will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in South Dakota is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much does it cost to hire movers from South Dakota to Pennsylvania?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from South Dakota to Pennsylvania will cost between $1,473 and $5,816. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from SD to PA will range from $3,347 to $7,479, and a large move from South Dakota to Pennsylvania will cost from $5,875 to $10,337.

How much are moving containers like PODS from South Dakota to Pennsylvania?

Moving containers from South Dakota to Pennsylvania will cost you $944 to $2,482 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,705 to $3,511. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,290 to $4,670. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of South Dakota.

How much is a moving truck from South Dakota to Pennsylvania?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $874 to $1,639. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $889 to $2,046, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from South Dakota to Pennsylvania costs from $1,189 to $2,474.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Is moving from South Dakota to Pennsylvania a good idea?

If you’re moving to Pennsylvania from South Dakota, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: South Dakota vs. Pennsylvania

South Dakota Pennsylvania
Average rent cost $761 $958
Average home cost $291,081 $254,802
Average income (per capita) $69,457 $73,170
Cost of Living Index 100 99
Unemployment rate 2.0% 3.4%
Average Sales Tax 6.4% 6.34%
State Income Tax 0.0% 3.07%
  • Rent is about 26% more expensive in Pennsylvania than in South Dakota.
  • Home prices are about 12% lower in Pennsylvania than in South Dakota.
  • The average income is about 5% higher in Pennsylvania than in South Dakota.
  • Cost of living is 1% lower in Pennsylvania than in South Dakota.
  • Pennsylvania has a higher unemployment rate than South Dakota by about 70%.
  • Sales taxes are the same in Pennsylvania and South Dakota.
  • Income taxes are 3% higher in Pennsylvania than in South Dakota.

How does life in Pennsylvania differ from South Dakota?

Pennsylvania South Dakota
Population 12,964,056 895,376
Political leaning Democratic 50-49 Republican 66-34
Summer high 83ºF 85ºF
Winter low 19ºF 7ºF
Annual rain 44" 23"
Annual snow 38" 39"
Crime index 19.07 24.75
  • The population of Pennsylvania is approximately 1,348% greater than the population of South Dakota.
  • In the last presidential election, Pennsylvania voted Democratic and South Dakota voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Pennsylvania is 83ºF and in South Dakota, it’s 85ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Pennsylvania reaches the temperature of 19ºF and South Dakota gets down to 7ºF.
  • You can expect about forty-four inches of annual rainfall in Pennsylvania versus twenty-three inches of rainfall in South Dakota.
  • In Pennsylvania, it snows about thirty-eight inches annually versus thirty-nine inches of snow in South Dakota.
  • Pennsylvania has a lower crime rate than South Dakota with a crime index of 24.75 vs 19.07.

Comparing the pros of South Dakota vs. Pennsylvania

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in South Dakota versus Pennsylvania side by side.

Pros of living in South Dakota Pros of living in Pennsylvania
Outstanding tax benefits Low cost of living
Robust job market Abundant fun and recreational activities
Low cost of living Beautiful landscapes
Beautiful rural landscapes Ample economic opportunity
Abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities Excellent education options

Comparing the cons of living in South Dakota vs. Pennsylvania

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving South Dakota for Pennsylvania.

Cons of living in South Dakota Cons of living in Pennsylvania
Extreme weather Harsh winter weather
Small-town mindset Bad driving conditions
Sparsely populated Nuclear power plants
Strange and offensive laws Unpredictable weather
Unpredictable weather High taxes on gasoline

What to know before your move to Pennsylvania

  • Weather: Pennsylvania experiences cold winters and humid summers. Summers are generally hot and humid. Moving toward the mountainous interior of the state, the winter climate becomes colder, the number of cloudy days increases, and snowfall amounts are greater. Tornadoes occur annually in the state, sometimes in large numbers, such as 30 recorded tornadoes in 2011; generally speaking, these tornadoes do not cause significant damage.
  • HOA Rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator Reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State Licensing: For decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services. Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUC’s website is no longer functioning. So if you’re moving within Pennsylvania, you’ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a Pennsylvania moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: Pennsylvania does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of Address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Pennsylvania. Get started here.
  • Mover's Insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
  • Moving Checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Pennsylvania

While you’re in Pennsylvania, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Hersheypark
  • Gettysburg National Military Park
  • Fallingwater
  • Philadelphia Museum of Art
  • Visit Strasburg
  • Independence National Park and the Liberty Bell
  • Valley Forge National Historical Park
  • Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
  • Eastern State Penitentiary
  • Presque Isle State Park
  • Andy Warhol Museum
  • Longwood Gardens
  • Ohiopyle State Park
  • Knoebels Amusement Resort
  • Flight 93 National Memorial
  • Ricketts Glen State Park
  • Carnegie Museum of Natural History
  • Lake Tobias Wildlife Park
  • Eisenhower National Historic Site
  • Reading Terminal Market

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from South Dakota to Pennsylvania?

The cheapest way to move from South Dakota to Pennsylvania is with a DIY move. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

What are the benefits of moving from South Dakota to Pennsylvania?

The main reasons people are moving from South Dakota to Pennsylvania are the amazing upsides of living in Pennsylvania such as low cost of living and abundant fun and recreational activities.

Is it cheaper to live in South Dakota or Pennsylvania?

It is generally cheaper to live in Pennsylvania than in South Dakota. While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing is more affordable in Pennsylvania, with average rent about 26% less and home prices 12.5% lower than in South Dakota. South Dakota has no income tax.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Pennsylvania?

You should make approximately $0 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Arizona. The cost of living in Arizona is approximately $0 per month for an individual and $0 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Pennsylvania you live For example, larger cities like Abington and Adams will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

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